10 Best beaches of Kemer: where the entry is gentle and where there is only pebbles

Kemer sits on a pebble shore, and that is its defining feature. A gentle entry where you can walk into the water with a child is not available everywhere, and neighboring beaches differ more than the map suggests. We rounded up ten beaches from the city promenade to ancient Phaselis and broke them down by shore type, depth, and access.

The farther spots deserve a full day. Olympos and Phaselis are easier to reach by car, and check the archaeological site hours in advance: Phaselis is currently open daily from 8:00 to 20:00 (as of 09/2026, official website of Turkey's museums).

How to choose a beach in Kemer

💡 In short:

• In central Kemer the shore is pebbly, but all the infrastructure is right there.
• For soft sand and a gentle entry, head to Moonlight, Calista, and Tekirova.
• Ruins and wild nature are what Olympos, Cirali, and Phaselis offer.
• Beach access and infrastructure: 09/2026, according to the Kemer hoteliers association.

Choose based on three factors: shore type, depth near the shore, and access. Start with the table, then read the sections for the beaches that match your pace of travel.

1. Central beach

© Kirill Flerov · CC BYPhoto: Kirill Flerov, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Central beach starts at the harbor and runs along the city toward the village of Goynuk. Part of the strip is reserved for hotels, but most of it is marked with a "Halk" sign: that is the municipal zone, open to everyone.

The shore here is entirely pebbly, and that shapes everything else. You enter the sea over rounded stones, so many people bring water shoes. The upside is clear water, and the slopes of the Western Taurus block the sea breeze.

The infrastructure is free: showers, toilets, and changing rooms are open to all. Sun loungers and umbrellas are rented out, but you can also just lay out your own towel. There is plenty to do: pedal boats, banana boats, paragliding, jet skis, and sea fishing, and sightseeing boats and yachts depart from the neighboring harbor.

• How to get there: on foot from central Kemer, the beach starts right at the harbor.
• Cost: entry is free, loungers and umbrellas are paid.
• Who it's for: people staying in the center who don't want to go anywhere.
• The catch: walking on pebbles is uncomfortable, and you really shouldn't head to the water without water shoes.

2. Moonlight

© Emin Başar ÖZDEMİR · CC BYPhoto: Emin Başar ÖZDEMİR, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Moonlight beach lies south of the harbor, by the Turkiz marina and Moonlight Park. The shore is covered with soft imported sand mixed with shells, the entry into the water is gradual, and strong waves are rare.

The beach holds a Blue Flag for cleanliness and upkeep (as of 09/2026, KEMİAD). The area is split into two sections. At the Dakapo Beach Club bar, loungers, a mattress, and an umbrella are paid, while the rest of the strip, with toilets, showers, and changing cabins, is free.

There is also plenty of active recreation: paragliding, jet ski, banana boat and tube ride, pedal boat, motorboat rental, and sea fishing. For sports on land there is a small tennis court and a volleyball court.

• How to get there: on foot from central Kemer along the promenade toward Moonlight Park.
• Cost: entry is free; in the Dakapo Beach Club section you pay for a lounger, mattress, and umbrella.
• Who it's for: families with kids and anyone who wants sand instead of pebbles.
• The catch: part of the shore is reserved for the paid club, where loungers are only available for a fee.

3. Kiris

© Tanya Dedyukhina · CC BYPhoto: Tanya Dedyukhina, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Kiris used to be a fishing village, and now it lives by the sea and along a single street lined with hotels, shops, bars, and travel agencies. Don't come here for loud clubs: there are no big parties.

Guests gather on the coastal strip. The surface is mixed: medium and coarse pebbles alternate with imported sand brought in by the hotels. The entry into the water is gradual, with no sharp slabs or rocks. Each hotel has its own section with loungers, canopies, and showers, and you can grab a bite at nearby cafes.

Near the entrance to the village there is a hidden wild beach with a view of neighboring Camyuva and the Taurus Mountains. It is almost always empty: in summer you might run into only local fishermen.

• How to get there: from Kemer south along the coast, by car or local dolmus.
• Cost: entry is free, loungers and umbrellas at hotels are paid.
• Who it's for: people who want a calm stay without nightlife.
• The catch: there is nothing to do in the evening if you're looking for bars and music.

4. Calista

© Figure · CC BY-SAPhoto: Figure, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Calista swimming area starts right after Moonlight, and it also holds a Blue Flag for cleanliness. The strip is small and sandy-pebbly, but the infrastructure is complete: loungers with umbrellas are rented out for a fee, and there are toilets, a shower, and changing rooms.

Nice touches: the beach has Wi-Fi, and the staff at Calista Beach cafe share the password. You can also order not just a cold drink but a hot meal there, which the waiters bring right to your lounger.

At sunset Calista changes. Live music plays, the Calista Beach bartenders mix cocktails and light snacks, and closer to night a big bonfire is lit on the shore.

Moonlight Park is nearby: hammocks and gazebos hide in the shade of pine trees, small shops and souvenir stalls line the walkways, and for kids there is a dolphinarium and a playground with rides.

• How to get there: on foot from central Kemer, right after Moonlight beach.
• Cost: entry is free, loungers and umbrellas are paid.
• Who it's for: people who want the sea by day and music and cocktails by night.
• The catch: the strip is short, and part of the shore is taken up by paid loungers.

5. Camyuva

© aptup · CC BYPhoto: aptup, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Çamyuva begins just past the shallow mouth of the Agva River. Its name translates from Turkish as "pine nest," and that describes the place precisely: quiet, the scent of pine, and a sea that shifts from turquoise to deep blue.

The beach strip is wide. The southwestern part is densely occupied by hotel complexes: guests there have access to loungers, umbrellas, gazebos, beach bars, and sports areas, with lifeguards on duty all day.

The northeastern part is almost undeveloped. You can drive right up to the water or set up at the neighboring campsite, and several bars and restaurants with sea views operate nearby. Showers, toilets, and changing rooms in this section are paid.

• How to get there: from Kemer, head south past Kiriş to the mouth of the Agva River.
• Cost: entry is free; in the wild section, showers and toilets are paid.
• Who it's for: those looking for quiet and greenery instead of a city promenade.
• The catch: the northeastern part has almost no infrastructure.

6. Olympos

© Anna Stavenskaya · CC BY-SAPhoto: Anna Stavenskaya, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Ancient Olympos lies south of Kemer and is part of the Olympos Beydağları National Park. The city was founded in the 3rd century BC (as of 09/2026, official website of Turkey's museums), and it was strong enough to hold three votes in the Lycian League.

Entry to the site is paid, and the reserve is open daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM (as of 09/2026, official website). The trail winds among the ruins and leads to a pebble shore: along the way you pass the Acropolis, fortress walls, a theater, tombs, and Lycian houses, while excavations continue to this day.

The beach is almost wild. Turquoise water, green rocks rising out of the sea, and flooded caves create the view people come here for. There are no canopies, loungers, or toilets on the beach, so bring water and something to sit on.

• How to get there: by car on the D400 highway; by public transport you'll need one transfer.
• Cost: entry to the reserve is paid; Müzekart is valid for citizens of Turkey.
• Who it's for: lovers of ruins and wild coastline.
• The catch: the bottom drops off sharply, so swimming here with small children is dangerous.

7. Beldibi

© Vadim Indeikin · CC BY-SAPhoto: Vadim Indeikin, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Beldibi lies north of Kemer, on the road to Antalya, and suits those who don't mind coarse pebbles and sizable stones. The water entry is gentle and it's shallow near the shore, so swimming with kids is fine here.

To keep guests from cutting their feet, many hotels have covered their sections with imported sand or concrete slabs and installed wooden piers with ladders. The beaches, including the municipal one, are well maintained: there are restrooms, shade canopies, loungers, showers, and changing cabins.

Higher-end hotels add VIP gazebos, bars, and ice cream stands, and a small park with a playground and sports area sits near the coast.

For seclusion, head to the wild beach in the northeastern part of the village, by the abandoned tunnel. On weekends it fills with locals, but on weekdays the shore is almost empty.

• Getting there: from Kemer north toward Antalya, along the highway.
• Cost: entry is free; loungers and umbrellas at hotels are paid.
• Who it's for: families staying at one of the Beldibi hotels.
• The catch: coarse pebbles and stones, so entering the water without footwear is uncomfortable.

8. Cirali

© yağmur · CC BY-SAPhoto: yağmur, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The village of Cirali has a wide sand-and-pebble shore, and there are noticeably fewer people here than in central Kemer. The area is developed: small restaurants, cafes, parking, and boat rentals are nearby, and in the southern part umbrellas, loungers, and bungalows are available for rent.

Part of the shore belongs to Caretta caretta sea turtles. From May to June, females come out of the sea to lay eggs, and in August hatchlings emerge from the sand. The entry into the sea is uneven and rocky, so it's better to go into the water in special footwear.

Nearby is Mount Yanartas, known as the Chimaera: natural eternal flames burn on its slopes. A hippie village with wooden houses under the tree canopy is also hidden in the greenery.

• Getting there: by car south past Olympos, or by public transport with a transfer.
• Cost: entry is free; umbrellas, loungers, and bungalows are rented for a fee.
• Who it's for: those who value quiet, nature, and turtles.
• The catch: rocky entry and little infrastructure right on the shore.

9. Tekirova

Tekirova lies far from Antalya Airport: the drive takes over an hour. The shore here is covered with fine pebbles and sand, the water entry is gentle, and the depth increases gradually.

For safety and cleanliness, the local stretch holds a Blue Flag and is considered a quiet relaxation zone. It's comfortable for beginners and kids who are just learning to swim.

There are activities too. The Blue World Diving Center club operates in the center of the village, and the Olympos Teleferik cable car leads up the slope to Mount Tahtali at 2,365 m (as of 09/2026, official website). If you want to trade the sea for land, head to the ruins of Phaselis or the Eco Park.

For quiet, go to the wild sections: one is behind the Euphoria Tekirova hotel, the other lies in Cleopatra Bay, where legend says Queen Cleopatra met Mark Antony.

• Getting there: from Kemer south to the end of the resort area; from the airport it's over an hour's drive.
• Cost: entry is free; loungers, umbrellas, and diving are paid.
• Who it's for: families with kids and those who want to combine sea and activities.
• The catch: the airport is over an hour away, which is inconvenient for early departures.

10. Phaselis

© 1089hruskapetr · CC BYPhoto: 1089hruskapetr, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Phaselis was founded in the 7th century BC as a port city (as of 09/2026, Phaselis page on the museums website). The city had three harbors: North, Central, which was called the Military Harbor, and South, and coins were minted with the image of a ship.

The park is open daily from 8:00 to 20:00, entry is paid (as of 09/2026, official website). Among the ruins, the city walls, an aqueduct that brought water from Mount Tahtali, two baths, a monumental fountain, and a theater have survived. The entrance to the South Harbor was built to honor the visit of Emperor Hadrian in 129 AD.

The swimming areas are narrow and framed by pines, with a gentle entry into the sea. There are no loungers or umbrellas here: for a restroom and shower you'll have to go back to the entrance of the ancient city. The only cafe stands by the aqueduct, and its prices are high, so it's easier to bring your own water and food and eat at the picnic tables. Barbecuing is prohibited on the reserve's grounds.

• Getting there: by car south; Phaselis lies between Camyuva and Tekirova; dolmuses run to Tekirova.
• Cost: entry is paid; Muzekart is valid for Turkish citizens.
• Who it's for: those who want to combine ruins and swimming in a bay.
• The catch: the restroom and shower are far away, and the only cafe is expensive.

Kemer beaches on the map

The map shows how the beaches are distributed along the coast from Beldibi in the north to Cirali in the south. Mark the spots near your hotel so you don't waste time on the road.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where in Kemer is there a sandy beach rather than pebbles?

Imported sand is found at Moonlight, Calista, and in Tekirova, as well as on sections of Kiris and Beldibi that hotels have filled in for guests. There are no fully sandy beaches in Kemer: the coast here is fundamentally pebble-based. If a soft entry is essential for you, choose Moonlight.

Can you swim in Kemer with kids?

Yes, but not everywhere. A gentle slope into the water and shallow depth near the shore await you at the beaches of Beldibi, Tekirova, Moonlight, and Calista. In Olympos the bottom drops off sharply, so it's better not to go there with small children. In Cirali the entry is rocky, so a child will need water shoes.

What is the Blue Flag and which beaches have it?

The Blue Flag is awarded for clean water, safety, and quality infrastructure. In Kemer, Moonlight and Calista hold it, as does the beach in Tekirova. The award is renewed every season, so check the current list on the program's website before your trip.

Do you need tickets for the beaches?

Entry to city and hotel beaches is free; you pay only for loungers, umbrellas, and water activities. Paid entry applies to the archaeological zones: Olympos and Phaselis. Opening hours change by season, so check them in advance.

Olympos or Phaselis: which to choose?

Olympos is more about nature and a wild shoreline: there are no facilities, but there are rocks, grottoes, and caves. In Phaselis you'll see the ruins of a port city with narrow swimming areas and one cafe. If you're traveling with kids, choose Phaselis: the entry into the sea is gentle there.

In short: what's worth booking

If you're a family with kids, go for Tekirova or Moonlight: they have sand and a gentle entry. Lovers of quiet will like Cirali and Camyuva. For ruins and views, head to Phaselis and Olympos, and if you're staying in the center and don't want to travel, stay at the Central Beach or in Kiris.

Before you set off, check the opening hours of Olympos and Phaselis: they change by season.